“So I Know Whose Ass to Kick”
Late-night comedians have had a heyday with President Obama’s recent comments on the BP oil spill. “I don’t sit around talking to experts because this is a college seminar,” Obama told Matt Lauer. “We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick.” You can see Jon Stewart’s reaction on “The Daily Show” by clicking on the video above.
Amish Cheese, Lois Lane Statues, and Illinois Wine…
What do these three things have in common? They’re all examples of your tax dollars at work. Illinois spends around $50 million a year on “tourism”—but isn’t there a better way than taxing hotels and subsidizing cheese? Learn more at our latest “Spotlight on Spending” installment
That’s Frat-tastic
What’s more fun than an Illinois college fraternity? If you ask the state government, it’s apparently a solar-powered Illinois college fraternity! According to IllinoisOpenGov.org, our transparency website, our already-broke state government shelled out $16,698 to install a solar thermal energy system at the Northern Illinois University Phi Kappa Theta house. We’re glad you’re going green, brothers—but we’re not so glad taxpayers are stuck with the bill. You can read more here.
Bargaining for Better Schools
The most important policy adopted by any school or school district is its contract with its teachers. Yet new and aspiring school board members in Illinois have few accessible guides to a collective bargaining process. “Bargaining for Better Schools,” our latest comprehensive guide to better, more efficient, more accountable public schools, is clicking here.
Blackhawks Win!
Blackhawks fans are rejoicing today, and for good reason. But is hockey giving Chicago the economic boost many think? Michael Demkovich ponders hockey economics over at our blog.